See a doctor immediately. Don’t delay treatment. Chlamydia, left untreated, can cause serious long-term health problems for both men and women, including infertility.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and likely order tests to confirm the diagnosis. Common tests include urine tests or swabs from the genitals or rectum. These tests are quick and relatively painless.
Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. Flagyl (metronidazole) is not typically used to treat chlamydia. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include azithromycin or doxycycline. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, completing the entire course of medication even if you feel better before finishing it. Failure to complete the entire course can lead to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of the infection.
Partner Notification
Inform all sexual partners within the past 60 days about your infection. They need to be tested and treated as well to prevent reinfection. This is crucial for preventing the spread of chlamydia. Your doctor can help you with this process and provide resources for discreetly contacting your partners.
Follow-up Care
After treatment, schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. This allows them to ensure the infection has cleared. Retesting is usually recommended a few weeks after completing the antibiotic course.
Preventing Future Infections
Practice safe sex. Consistent and correct condom use significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia. Open communication with your partners about STI testing and prevention is also vital.
